How difficult to build this coffee table?

Hey guys. I'm new to this forum. Created an account specifically to ask this question:

Is it feasible/realistic to build the coffee table at home with minimal woodworking experience?

I know that furniture making is an art and one that takes years to perfect. I was hoping that the simplicity of the coffee table in question (its basically just a box) might allow me to have a chance at making it. Is this something I could achieve or is it just a pipe dream?

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How difficult to build this coffee table?

Thank you for the response. My father seems to believe that it would be impossible for someone who does not make furniture as a trade to make even something simple due to tight tolerances, finish quality, etc. Can I just cut some wood, sand, attach, stain? Any advice on how to proceed?

How difficult to build this coffee table?

Ammi, don't let some folks here pull your leg. It's hard to tell from the picture if I am seeing shadows or if the base is closed. It is basically a big box. Yes, some MDF or Plywood with some 2x4 or 2x2" support pieces inside should do. This would be a great project for you to practice basic woodworking skills. The details are in the finish - sand, sand, sand, then stain, sand, topcoat, sand, topcoat again, repeat, etc. Don't get discouraged if yours doesn't turn out just like the picture. It takes practice. Good luck and welcome to woodworking!

p.s. - yeah, DangerMouse, what's up with the bedliner? Oh, now I get it

Last edited by Oh-Fudge; 09-21-2011 at 12:10 PM.
Reason: Just for DangerMouse!

How difficult to build this coffee table?

Quote:

Originally Posted by DangerMouse

As simple as

I was going for the whole "quick and easy, but strong with a good wear surface" aspect.
Paint could be used, of course, as well as any number of other coverings from cork to plastic to leather to fabric, etc.! It's just a cube, after all....

DM

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How difficult to build this coffee table?

If the cutting presents any problems, figure out the size of the pieces that you want, keeping in mind that the MDF typically is sold in 4' by 8' sheets, which looks like it may be about right for that table, go to your local lumber yard, and they will probably cut it for you. The only other figuring that you will have to do in laying it out is allowing for the saw kerfs, which will be about 1/8". After that, you're pretty much down to a sander and screw gun. I would also include some 3/4 by 3/4 pine for the inside corners.